Back in 2017, I wrote a blog post called “Why Being Underestimated Can Be A Good Thing.“ To this day, it is one of the top ways people randomly land on my website.
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Recently, I heard from one of these people who shared she found me “by googling that compliment I received.” That compliment was that she is often underestimated.
She was testing her assumption that it was a positive attribute in the business world. She shared, “I’d rather be known for my results and don’t feel the need to blurt out my resume as an introduction.” Adding her and I are both in the under 5-foot-tall club!
I appreciate and admire her positive perspective and seeing other people’s misperception as an advantage. I have to be honest, this time, I had a different initial reaction.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge it’s okay to be annoyed, offended, or just a little irritated by the judgements thrust upon you. For people assuming you are less than for whatever unconscious bias they may hold.
That said, this will continue to happen, so the question becomes… How do I make other people’s underestimation a hidden advantage?
When others underestimate you, it can provide a unique opportunity to exceed expectations and demonstrate your true capabilities. Instead of seeing it as a setback, consider it a chance to quietly prepare, learn, and grow without the pressure of high expectations.
So, how do you leverage the power of being underestimated? Here are some ways to turn underestimation into your secret weapon:
- Focus on Your Strengths: Identify what you excel at and find ways to highlight these strengths in your work.
- Embrace the Element of Surprise: Use the lower expectations to your advantage. When you deliver results that surpass what others anticipate, it can leave a lasting impression.
- Continue Learning: Constantly seek new knowledge and skills to enhance your capabilities. Invest in your personal and professional development.
- Build Strong Connections: Leverage your network to gain insights and support. Building relationships can provide you with resources and opportunities that others might overlook.
- Stay Humble: Use others’ low expectations as motivation rather than a barrier. Let your actions speak louder than words.
Want to put some of these ideas to work but need some support? Reach out to be paired with a coach to help you take it to the next level. Or check out The Connected Leader Course.
Remember, being underestimated is not a setback—it’s an opportunity to shine. Embrace it, and let it propel you to new heights.
More with Michelle
I was thrilled to be featured on Humans of Fuzia. They are a platform used to amplify the voices of women, and it has evolved into a global movement where both women and men come together to champion female leadership and gender equality.
Check out my interview, Building a World Where Relationships Drive Results here!